Estate Planning and Administration Oakbrook and Chicago
Estate Planning Attorney in Chicago, IL
Estate Planning Can Feel Complicated. We Make the Process Easier and Straightforward.
Protect your family, preserve what you’ve built, and make important decisions with clear guidance from an experienced estate planning team
Since 1982 | 7,000+ Living Trust Estate Plans Prepared | Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Why is it important to start estate planning today?
A sudden illness, incapacity, or death can change everything for a family. Loss is difficult enough without adding financial uncertainty, unanswered questions, or an unfamiliar court process.
That is why estate planning is best handled before an emergency forces other people to make important decisions for you.
A thoughtful estate plan can establish who should manage your affairs, who should receive your property, who can make healthcare or financial decisions if you cannot, and how you want your family cared for after you are gone.
You do not need to know which documents you need before speaking with an attorney. If you are searching for a trusted estate planning attorney in Chicago, Tuohy Law Offices can help you understand your options and put the right plan in place.
Get clear answers and a plan built around your life
Estate planning is not just about what happens after you die. It also helps prepare for situations that may arise during your lifetime.
You do not need to be wealthy, retired, or facing a health crisis to benefit from estate planning. If you own property, have financial accounts, support family members, or want a say in who can make decisions for you, you should address these important questions now. At Tuohy Law Offices, we help you:
Protect your loved ones with a last will and testament
Document how certain property should be distributed, name an executor, and address guardianship considerations for minor children.
Learn MoreKeep greater control with a living trust
Manage how qualifying assets are handled during your lifetime and transferred after your death.
Learn MoreUnderstand the probate process
With the right planning in place, your family can avoid the Illinois probate process altogether, even if you already have a will.
Learn MorePlan for incapacity with a power of attorney
Designate a trusted person to manage your finances if illness or disability leaves you unable to do so yourself.
Learn MoreWhat estate plan is right for you?
No single estate plan works for every family. The right approach depends on what you own, how your assets are titled, who you want to protect, and what you want to happen if you become incapacitated or die.
A living trust may be appropriate if you own real estate, want greater privacy and control over how assets are distributed, or hope to keep qualifying assets outside probate. A last will and testament may play an important role in naming beneficiaries, choosing an executor, and addressing guardianship for minor children.
Other circumstances can also affect your plan:
Probate considerations
Assets left in your individual name may need to pass through probate after your death. A properly funded living trust can help eligible assets avoid this process.
Beneficiaries under 18
Leaving assets directly to children under 18 can create additional legal complications. A trust can give you more control over when and how an inheritance is distributed.
Beneficiary designations
Life insurance, retirement accounts, and other assets with named beneficiaries should be coordinated carefully with the rest of your estate plan.
Changes in your life
Marriage, divorce, disability, new children or grandchildren, property purchases, and major financial changes can all affect whether your existing plan still reflects your wishes.
Incapacity planning
Powers of attorney and healthcare planning documents can establish who you trust to make important decisions if you cannot make them yourself.
Estate planning is deeply personal, and we understand that. That’s why we look at your family, assets, and priorities as a whole before recommending an approach. The goal is to build a plan you understand and feel confident putting in place.
Why work with Tuohy for estate planning?
A strong estate plan should be clear, coordinated, and built to work in real life. Tuohy Law Offices takes a hands-on approach, helping you understand your options, connect the legal and financial pieces, and keep important information accessible over time.
- We make complex decisions easier to understand: We explain trusts, wills, powers of attorney, probate, and other planning tools clearly, so you understand what each document does and why it matters.
- We build the plan around your circumstances: Your family, assets, beneficiaries, property, and long-term goals all influence the right approach. We look at the full picture before recommending a plan.
- We coordinate with your financial team: When appropriate, we work with your financial advisors, CPAs, and financial institutions to help account for important assets and coordinate how they are titled and managed.
- We help put the plan into practice: Estate planning does not end when you sign. We help you understand trust funding, beneficiary coordination, family instructions, and other steps you may need afterward.
- We keep important documents organized and accessible: Clients can securely access healthcare, financial, and estate planning documents through the MyCase client portal. We transmit sensitive documents using Barracuda encryption.
- We remain a resource as life changes: Marriage, children, retirement, property purchases, business changes, and other major events can all affect your estate plan. We are here when it is time to review or update it.
What clients value about working with Tuohy Law Offices
Tuohy Law Offices is known for taking time to explain the details, answer questions clearly, and make the process feel more manageable from beginning to end.
I am proud to state that Tom Tuohy has been my valued friend and legal counsel for over 35 years. During that time, he has also served the legal needs of the residents of the Cabrini-Green housing complex and diligently represented countless individuals and families throughout the State of Illinois. Tom has consistently demonstrated commitment and dedication in his work and in performing his law practice responsibilities. He has shown an ability to work constructively and compassionately with everyone involved in our justice system. His positive attitude and conscientious approach to his practice and its inherent legal challenges exemplify the legal temperament, diligence, and intellect necessary in jurisprudence. Tom has also been a longtime advocate for children’s rights, as shown by founding Dreams for Kids, Inc. and serving as a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Jesse White Tumbling Team. These positions reflect his concern for youngsters. In essence, I consider Tom Tuohy to be one of Illinois’ outstanding attorneys and someone who can be relied on and trusted.
I have known of Tom Tuohy’s reputation for a long time through my responsibilities as Police Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. When the time came to take care of my family business and my personal and business affairs, I knew exactly who I would retain. Tom has the extensive professional experience and demeanor you would hope for in an attorney and counselor. I knew that I could rely on his expertise, and most importantly, I knew I could trust him. In my background as law enforcement professional and as principal of Hillard Heintze, LLC, there is nothing more important than trust and confidentiality. You can trust Tom Tuohy to handle your affairs in the most professional manner and you can be assured that you will be protected.
Need legal help beyond estate planning?
Tuohy Law Offices also assists clients with business and personal injury matters, providing the same clear, practical guidance across other important legal needs.
Small Business Law
Tuohy Law Offices has represented hundreds of small businesses and assists with LLCs, series LLCs, corporations, business organization, and ongoing entity matters.
Explore Small Business LawPersonal Injury
The firm also assists people facing serious injury matters involving vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, nursing home neglect and abuse, product liability, and related claims.
Explore Personal Injury ServicesThe Tuohy Law Blog: Practical guidance on the legal issues that matter
The Tuohy Law Blog covers estate planning, probate, small business matters, personal injury, property ownership, and other legal topics that can affect individuals, families, and business owners.
Gain clarity on your estate planning decisions
You may be wondering whether you need a will or living trust, how probate could affect your estate, or who should be authorized to act for you if you cannot. Tell us what you are trying to accomplish, and we can help you determine which planning issues deserve attention.
Complete the form to request a free, no-obligation estate planning consultation.
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What would you like help planning?
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Get your estate plan out of your head and onto paper
You may already have a vision for your family’s future — we’re here to help make it a reality. At Tuohy Law Offices, we turn your intentions into a clear, legally sound plan that gives you confidence every step of the way.
Chicago area, 2026
